Build. Lead. Ship.
Architect. Build. Scale. Repeat.
Engineering Leader with deep expertise in Network Intelligence, Cloud Architecture, and Cyber Security. Building resilient systems that scale from startup to enterprise across global markets.
Engineering Expertise
Cloud Native
AWS, OCI, GCP, OpenStack with triple AWS certifications and Infrastructure as Code expertise
Enterprise Products
Building on-prem appliance products deployed in customer data centers — network intelligence, DPI, and cyber security platforms
Team Mentorship
Managing cross-functional engineering teams and establishing Centers of Excellence
Global Reach
Work across UAE, KSA, USA, Sweden, and Pakistan in startup and enterprise environments
Mobile App Dev
Cross-platform mobile development with React Native, Expo, Firebase, and AWS Amplify
Professional Journey
October 2023 - Present
Head of Engineering — Application, Data Engineering, DevSecOps & Agentic Software Engineering
Dynamic Network Intelligence (DNI)
Build the entire engineering organization from the ground up at a greenfield startup — design the org structure, define team charters, hire and onboard 20+ engineers, and establish engineering methodologies, tooling, and culture.
- Structure the engineering department into focused teams: Application Engineering, Data Engineering, DevSecOps, QA, and Agentic Software Engineering, each with clear ownership, delivery cadence (Scrum/Kanban/Scrumban), and KPIs.
- Own product management for the full DPI stack — drive roadmap, prioritization, and delivery across Management & Configuration, Signatures, Control Plane, Data Plane, Analytics, and Observability modules.
- Spearhead the adoption of Agentic Software Engineering practices across the org, establishing safe usage guidelines and best practices for AI-assisted development using Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, and self-hosted models.
- Establish DevSecOps practices with security-first development workflows, CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, ArgoCD), GitOps, and infrastructure as code (Terraform/OpenTofu, Ansible).
- Oversee the development of high-performance network intelligence and cyber security solutions using DPDK, AI/ML-driven analysis, Redpanda, ClickHouse, and real-time monitoring systems.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration between engineering, product, and business teams to deliver scalable, production-grade networking and cyber security products.
November 2017 - October 2023
Solutions Engineer
Sandvine
Led implementation of large-scale network intelligence and analytics solutions using Sandvine's DPI, PCRF, NFV technologies for major telecom operators in the Middle East
- Architected and deployed complex network solutions integrating regulatory compliance, traffic management, and analytics systems serving 30M+ subscribers
- Developed High-Level and Low-Level Designs (HLD/LLD) for critical deployments and migration projects, ensuring minimal service disruption
- Established and led the Centre of Excellence for Traffic Classification, managing a team of 5 engineers for signature development
- Created an automated packet capture analysis portal integrating CDN and AS information, improving troubleshooting efficiency by 60%
- Implemented ML-based traffic classification models, achieving 95% accuracy in identifying encrypted applications
- Designed custom data models and signatures for network traffic analysis using proprietary languages and tools
- Set up CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and Docker, reducing deployment time by 70% and improving code quality
- Provided technical leadership in pre-sales activities, contributing to successful deals worth $10M+
- Mentored junior engineers and conducted technical training sessions for customers and internal teams
May 2017 - October 2017
Manager Professional Services
SNSKIES
Led a team of 5 engineers, driving successful project delivery for customers.
- Achieved an average project completion rate of 90% within agreed timeline and budget.
- Maintained a customer satisfaction rating of 90% based on feedback surveys.
- Collaborated with industry partners including Cisco, Sandvine, and Sangfor.
April 2017 - October 2017
Country Manager / FullStack Engineer
Simplus Innovation
Collaborated with product management to deliver tailored analytics solutions.
- Implemented Agile methodologies for efficient project management.
- Established the Pakistan office and led a team of engineers.
- Utilized React, TypeScript, MongoDB, Redux, Pesapal, and AWS.
June 2016 - September 2017
Co-Founder & Chief Architect
Vincere Systems
Founded a company specializing in custom solutions for telecom and ISP domain.
- Delivered a customized ACS product to wi-tribe Pakistan.
- Facilitated smooth migration to a new frequency spectrum across the country.
March 2017 - May 2017
Head of Networks
Zigron Inc.
Led technical teams in DPI, IoT, Analytics, Cloud, and VNF domains.
- Developed and executed the company's technical strategic goals.
- Implemented efficient processes for large-scale enterprise projects.
January 2017 - March 2017
Manager Digital Services - Cloud
PTCL
Managed Cloud Digital Products & Service Development.
- Oversaw product management, pre-sales, and relationship management for corporate segment.
- Drove 60% increase in sales and customer adoption of cloud services.
May 2014 - January 2017
Principal Design Engineer
PLUMgrid Inc. (Acquired by VMware)
Architected and implemented security policy VNF features enabling microsegmentation and zero-trust networking for OpenStack environments
- Designed and developed L2 VTEP service supporting VXLAN overlay networks, improving network scalability for multi-tenant cloud deployments
- Spearheaded development of PLUMgrid Object Model API using Node.js, creating a unified interface for network service configuration
- Built and maintained automated testing infrastructure (PITA) reducing regression testing time by 60% and improving release quality
- Contributed to core platform development including network function virtualization (VNF), infrastructure automation, and web services
- Collaborated with product management to define technical roadmap and feature prioritization for cloud networking products
- Mentored junior engineers and led knowledge sharing sessions on cloud networking technologies and best practices
- Participated in customer-facing technical discussions and provided solutions for complex networking requirements
- Authored technical documentation and design specifications for platform features and APIs
November 2013 - April 2014
Software Engineer, SCRUM Master
Seamless Payments AB
Led Agile transformation as SCRUM Master for a team of 8 developers, improving sprint velocity by 40% within 3 months
- Architected and implemented real-time transaction processing system handling 100K+ daily mobile payments
- Developed high-performance REST APIs using Java Spring Framework for mobile money transfer services
- Implemented automated CI/CD pipelines reducing deployment time from days to hours
- Established code review practices and quality metrics improving overall code quality by 50%
- Conducted daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospective meetings to ensure team alignment and continuous improvement
September 2011 - November 2013
System Engineer
Seamless Payments AB
Designed and implemented core payment processing modules for SEQR mobile payment platform using Java and Spring Framework
- Built scalable backend services processing 50K+ concurrent transactions with sub-second response time
- Developed integration modules for major banks and payment providers across Europe
- Created automated testing framework reducing regression testing time by 70%
- Implemented monitoring and alerting systems using ELK stack for real-time transaction tracking
- Optimized database queries and cache implementations improving system performance by 60%
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams across Sweden, Pakistan, and Ghana for feature delivery
- Participated in 24/7 on-call support rotation ensuring 99.99% system availability
- Mentored junior developers and conducted technical training sessions on payment systems
December 2008 - August 2011
Executive Technical
wi-tribe
Led network operations and service delivery for 100K+ broadband subscribers across multiple regions
- Designed and implemented automated network monitoring system reducing MTTR by 65% and improving customer satisfaction
- Spearheaded migration from legacy billing system to convergent billing platform for 50K+ subscribers with zero service interruption
- Developed custom Python scripts for network performance analysis and automated reporting, saving 20+ man-hours weekly
- Implemented QoS policies and traffic shaping rules improving network performance by 40% during peak hours
- Managed relationships with vendors including Cisco, Juniper, and Huawei for network equipment and services
- Created comprehensive network documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for technical teams
- Led technical training programs for new hires and existing staff on networking fundamentals and troubleshooting
- Participated in 24/7 escalation team ensuring 99.9% network availability across all regions
September 2008 - November 2008
Intern
wi-tribe
Assisted in network deployment and configuration for WiMAX broadband services
- Developed monitoring scripts using Python and Shell for automated health checks of network elements
- Contributed to documentation of network topology and technical procedures
- Participated in troubleshooting customer connectivity issues and network performance optimization
- Collaborated with senior engineers in implementing QoS policies for different service packages
- Gained hands-on experience with WiMAX technology, network monitoring tools, and Linux systems
Technical Proficiency
A curated stack of modern technologies honed across 17+ years of engineering.
Programming & Frameworks
Cloud & DevOps
Networking
AI & Machine Learning
Databases & Storage
Observability
Security & Compliance
Leadership & Delivery
Certifications
Professional credentials and continuous learning.
Education
Community Involvement
July 2018 - Present
IT Consultant
Qasmia Welfare Trust
Designed and implemented a comprehensive finance tracking system using Next.js, TypeScript, Material UI, and Tailwind.
- Utilized AWS Amplify for backend infrastructure to ensure scalability and reliability.
- Enabled field operatives to efficiently manage donations and expenses during campaigns.
- Integrated invoicing capabilities and audit data storage for compliance and transparency.
- Created dynamic reporting dashboards with react-charts for real-time data visualization.
- Transitioned legacy Android-based application from Google Firebase to AWS Amplify.
Ready to build
the future?
I am always open to discussing new projects, creative ideas, or opportunities to be part of your vision.
hanan.ilyas@gmail.com
Phone
+966532534616
Location
Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
haniqurayshi